An MRI exam today revealed that Denver Nuggets F Danilo Gallinari suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. The MRI showed no signs of other ligament or meniscus damage. He will miss the remainder of the 2012-13 season. […] “We’re extremely disappointed for Gallo. He was having a career year in scoring and rebounding and was a huge reason for our success,” Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said. “We will obviously support him and be there for him throughout his recovery. Knowing his work ethic and commitment to getting back on the floor, we are confident he will come back stronger than ever next season.”

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Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari suffered a gruesome-looking left knee injury in the second quarter of last night’s thrilling 95-94 win against the visiting Dallas Mavericks. After hopping around on his right leg, and collapsing to the floor while writhing in pain, Gallo was carted off the floor.

An initial examination reportedly revealed what appears to be a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee:

“The doctor indicated that the ligament was loose,” one source said. “They expect that it’s a torn ACL.”

Gallinari will undergo a full MRI examination on Friday to survey the complete damage to the knee. After driving on Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki in the Nuggets’ 95-94 victory on Thursday night, Gallinari planted his left leg only to have his knee buckle beneath him.

The 24-year old Gallinari — an extremely important component of the Nuggets’ attack — is averaging 16.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. Denver holds the 3rd Playoff seed in the Western Conference.